erisa pension plans in 2013: due for hedge and private...

64
Presenting a live 90minute webinar with interactive Q&A ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due Diligence for Hedge and Private Equity Funds Avoiding the Pitfalls with Alternative Investments for Institutional Investors and Fund Managers T d ’ f l f 1pm Eastern | 12pm Central | 11am Mountain | 10am Pacific WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013 T odays faculty features: Rosemary Fanelli, Partner, CounselWorks, New York Dr. Susan Mangiero, Fiduciary Leadership, Trumbull, Conn. Tiffany N. Santos, Director , Trucker Huss, San Francisco Tiffany N. Santos, Director , Trucker Huss, San Francisco The audio portion of the conference may be accessed via the telephone or by using your computer's speakers. Please refer to the instructions emailed to registrants for additional information. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-926-7926 ext. 10.

Upload: others

Post on 23-Jun-2020

3 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Presenting a live 90‐minute webinar with interactive Q&A

ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due Diligence for Hedge and Private Equity FundsAvoiding the Pitfalls with Alternative Investments for Institutional Investors and Fund Managers

T d ’ f l f

1pm Eastern | 12pm Central | 11am Mountain | 10am Pacific

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

Today’s faculty features:

Rosemary Fanelli, Partner, CounselWorks, New York

Dr. Susan Mangiero, Fiduciary Leadership, Trumbull, Conn.

Tiffany N. Santos, Director, Trucker Huss, San FranciscoTiffany N. Santos, Director, Trucker Huss, San Francisco

The audio portion of the conference may be accessed via the telephone or by using your computer's speakers. Please refer to the instructions emailed to registrants for additional information. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-926-7926 ext. 10.

Page 2: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Tips for Optimal Quality

S d Q litSound QualityIf you are listening via your computer speakers, please note that the quality of your sound will vary depending on the speed and quality of your internet connection.

If the sound quality is not satisfactory and you are listening via your computer speakers, you may listen via the phone: dial 1-866-258-2056 and enter your PIN when prompted Otherwise please send us a chat or e mail when prompted. Otherwise, please send us a chat or e-mail [email protected] immediately so we can address the problem.

If you dialed in and have any difficulties during the call, press *0 for assistance.

Viewing QualityTo maximize your screen, press the F11 key on your keyboard. To exit full screen, press the F11 key againpress the F11 key again.

Page 3: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Continuing Education Credits FOR LIVE EVENT ONLY

For CLE purposes, please let us know how many people are listening at your location by completing each of the following steps:

• In the chat box, type (1) your company name and (2) the number of attendees at your locationattendees at your location

• Click the SEND button beside the box

Page 4: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Program Materials

If you have not printed the conference materials for this program, please complete the following steps:

• Click on the + sign next to “Conference Materials” in the middle of the left-hand column on your screen hand column on your screen.

• Click on the tab labeled “Handouts” that appears, and there you will see a PDF of the slides for today's program.

• Double click on the PDF and a separate page will open. Double click on the PDF and a separate page will open.

• Print the slides by clicking on the printer icon.

Page 5: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

ERISA P i Pl i 2013 DERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due Diligence for Hedge and Private

Equity FundsAvoiding the Pitfalls with Alternative

Investments for Institutional Investors and Fund Managers

Faculty:Rosemary Fanelli, Esquire (CounselWorks)

D S M i (Fid i L d hi LLC)Dr. Susan Mangiero (Fiduciary Leadership, LLC)Tiffany N. Santos, Esquire (Trucker Huss)

June 5, 2013

Page 6: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

SPEAKER BIOS

6

Page 7: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Rosemary FanelliEsquireEsquire

R F lli i F di P t f C lW kRosemary Fanelli is a Founding Partner of CounselWorksand provides strategic business and regulatory consulting services to private funds, investment banks and broker-dealers. Prior to CounselWorks, she was Chief Legal Officer of Allen & Company, a firm providing investment banking and private money management services where she was responsible for overseeing the firm's legal, regulatory and compliance programs.

To contact Rosemary, email [email protected] or call 212-867-0200.

7

Page 8: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Susan MangieroPhD AIFA CFA FRMPhD, AIFA, CFA, FRM

Susan Mangiero is a managing director with Fiduciary Leadership, LLC. She provides compliance, dispute and litigation support to asset managers institutional investors and their counsel Dr Mangiero is amanagers, institutional investors and their counsel. Dr. Mangiero is a CFA charterholder, a certified Financial Risk Manager and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst®. She has provided testimony before the ERISA Advisory Council, the OECD and the International Organization of Pension Supervisors as well as offering expert g p g ptestimony and behind-the-scenes forensic analysis, calculation of damages and rebuttal report commentary in litigation and arbitration matters. Areas of expertise include asset allocation, fiduciary duties, risk management, modeling, hedge effectiveness, hedge funds, private equity funds ERISA valuation and industry best practicesequity funds, ERISA, valuation and industry best practices.Dr. Mangiero is the author of Risk Management for Pensions, Endowments and Foundations (John Wiley & Sons, 2005), a primer on risk and valuation issues, with an emphasis on fiduciary responsibility

d b t ti Sh i b f th 401(k) d RFP b tand best practices. She is a member of the 401(k) vendor RFP best practices committee for the Association of Financial Professionals. She is the creator of the award-winning pension blog, www.PensionRiskMatters.com. Susan can be reached by sending an email to [email protected] or calling 203-261-5519.

8

Page 9: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Tiffany N. SantosEsquireEsquire

Tiffany N. Santos is a director with Trucker Huss She counsels employers andHuss. She counsels employers and multiemployer trusts on all aspects of their employee benefit plans, including health and welfare plans Section 125 cafeteria plans andwelfare plans, Section 125 cafeteria plans, and qualified retirement plans. She is a frequent speaker on health plan matters, including health care reform HIPAA COBRA and cafeteriacare reform, HIPAA, COBRA, and cafeteria plans, and on investment-related matters, including ERISA’s impact on alternative investmentsinvestments.Tiffany can be reached by sending an email to [email protected] or calling 415-421-20172017.

9

Page 10: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

HEDGE FUND AND PRIVATE EQUITY FUND CONSIDERATIONS

10

Page 11: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

ERISA Plans and I ti i Alt tiInvesting in Alternatives

• Surveys show increased allocations toSurveys show increased allocations to alternatives

• Credit crisis of 2008 resulted in liquidity and trading risk “surprises”g p

• New rules regarding disclosurese u es ega d g d sc osu es

• Regulatory focus on alternativesRegulatory focus on alternatives11

Page 12: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Alternative InvestmentsAlternative Investments

• Generally involves “direct” investment in aGenerally involves direct investment in a limited partnership, LLC or collective trust

• Offering documents g– Private placement memorandum, limited partnership

agreement, subscription agreement, etc.– Generally very little room for negotiation of terms

• If plan will be a part of the initial closing, may be able to negotiate terms of governing documentsg g g

• Contract terms may be negotiated in a side letter

12

Page 13: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Questions About InvestingQuestions About Investing

• Will the investment further the plan’s diversification bj ti ?objectives?

• What are the risk and return characteristics of the investment?

• Will the investment affect the plan’s liquidity and/orWill the investment affect the plan s liquidity and/or funding needs?

• Will the investment result in a prohibited transaction?Will the investment result in a prohibited transaction?• Do the plan documents permit the investment? (e.g.,

investment policy statement)

13

Page 14: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Decision MakingDecision Making

• Who is responsible for making investmentWho is responsible for making investment decisions for the investment vehicle?

Is it the plan fiduciary (i e Board of– Is it the plan fiduciary (i.e., Board of Trustees)?

– Is there an investment manager?Is there an investment manager? • Is the general partner the investment manager or

is there a separate investment manager?– Will the investment manager acknowledge

that it is a fiduciary under ERISA?

14

Page 15: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Due Diligence “To Do” Items

• Understand underlying reasons for items on checklist• Assess risk holistically not just legal or financial risk• Assess risk holistically – not just legal or financial risk• Hire outside experts with the ability to kick the tires on

pricing models, review vendor contracts, ensure that p ginternal controls are in place, monitor quality and quantity of collateral related to derivatives trading and structured finance investmentsstructured finance investments

• Ask to meet with the Chief Risk Officer and the Chief Compliance Officer

• Review financial statements to assess whether they reflect expected returns for a given strategy and whether they comport with industry best practices for

15

whether they comport with industry best practices for reporting

Page 16: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

More Due Diligence “To Do” Items

• Ask about the existence of side pockets, side letters, restrictions on liquidating assets ownership of votingrestrictions on liquidating assets, ownership of voting rights as relates to the fund’s ability to restructure if needed

• Assess conflicts of interest• Gauge whether alternative fund managers have policies

in place for prohibited transactions and party-in-interestin place for prohibited transactions and party in interest trades

• Ask about strategy and latitude regarding investment drift

• Query about diversification of client (investor) baseUnderstand legal structure and existence of feeder funds

16

• Understand legal structure and existence of feeder funds

Page 17: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Lock-Up and Withdrawal RightsLock Up and Withdrawal Rights

• Is there a lock-up period? p p– Initial period of time during which investors may not

withdraw investmentWh t th l ’ ithd l i ht ?• What are the plan’s withdrawal rights?– Withdrawal rights may be limited

• May be limited to instances when continued investment by y ythe plan would result in a breach of fiduciary duty, for example

– Can the plan withdraw without penalty?p p y– Early withdrawal may trigger valuation issues– Payment upon withdrawal may be in a form other

than cash (i e in kind)17

than cash (i.e., in-kind)

Page 18: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

ERISA ASSET LIMITSAND IMPLICATIONS

18

Page 19: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

25 Percent Threshold25 Percent Threshold

• Once threshold is met, the fund is subject to the following i ifi i d bli isignificant requirements and obligations:o The fund manager becomes an ERISA fund manager creating co-

fiduciary liability. Fund managers and plan trustees are thus liable for each other’s actions.for each other s actions.

o Certain limitations with respect to block trades and cross trades.o Fund documents must be reviewed for compliance with ERISA

laws. • The 25% threshold is calculated each time there is a change in

ownership of equity interest of the fund.o Calculation only includes limited partners’ capital. Controlling equity

interest of the fund is not includedinterest of the fund is not included.• 25% threshold is calculated on each class of partners’ capital.

19

Page 20: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

ERISA Assets and ControlsERISA Assets and Controls

• Ensure controls are in place to monitor the 25% threshold. Th i l d lli d i d i lThese can include controlling redemptions and capital contributions so that the threshold is not inadvertently crossed.

• It may be necessary to adjust operating documents to add redemption provisions Such provisions may be:redemption provisions. Such provisions may be:

o Preventing non-benefit plan investors from receiving a distribution that would cause the fund to fail the 25 Percent Test and

o Requiring benefit plan investors to take distributions from the fund if q g pit is necessary for the fund to continue to pass the 25 Percent Test.

• Regardless of what internal controls are in place, managers should review all fund documents to determine what steps need to be taken to avoid violating the 25% testto be taken to avoid violating the 25% test.

20

Page 21: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Venture Capital Operating CompanyVenture Capital Operating Company

• Vehicle is a VCOC if at least 50% of its firstVehicle is a VCOC if at least 50% of its first and subsequent investment(s) is in one or more operating companies for which the vehicle has management rights that it actually exercises each year

21

Page 22: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Real Estate Operating CompanyReal Estate Operating Company

• Vehicle is an REOC if at least 50% of its firstVehicle is an REOC if at least 50% of its first and subsequent investment(s) is in real estate for which the vehicle has management rights that it actually exercises each year

22

Page 23: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Contract ConsiderationsContract Considerations

• VCOC and REOC exemption from planVCOC and REOC exemption from plan asset rules– DOL view: where an investment vehicle has

rights that are considerably greater than the rights of an ordinary investor, and exercises those rights the investment vehicle is actingthose rights, the investment vehicle is acting more like an operating company managing a business than as an investment companyp y

• Therefore, the general partner/manager should not be considered an “investment manager” subject to ERISA fiduciary rules

23

ERISA fiduciary rules

Page 24: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

VCOC/REOCVCOC/REOC

• In evaluating reasonableness ofIn evaluating reasonableness of VCOC/REOC compensation

DOL FAQs about 2009 5500 Schedule C:– DOL FAQs about 2009 5500 Schedule C: compensation received by third parties from operating companies in connection with the p g pmanagement and operation of VCOCs, REOCs and other operating companies is not considered “indirect compensation” which must be reported in Schedule C

24

Page 25: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

ERISA FIDUCIARY DUTIESAND

ROLESROLES

25

Page 26: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Plan Fiduciary’s ResponsibilitiesPlan Fiduciary s Responsibilities

• As legal counsel to plans, note that the followingAs legal counsel to plans, note that the following are the ERISA fiduciary duties that drive the selection and retention of investment consultants/advisers and managers– Discharge duties solely in the interest of plan

ti i t d b fi i iparticipants and beneficiaries– For the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to

participants and their beneficiaries and to defray pa c pa s a d e be e c a es a d o de ayexpenses of administering the plan

26

Page 27: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Plan Fiduciary’s ResponsibilitiesPlan Fiduciary s Responsibilities

– Must act with the care, skill, prudence andMust act with the care, skill, prudence and diligence of a prudent man acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use under similar circumstances

– Diversify plan’s investments so as to minimize risk of large losses

– Discharge duties in according with plan d d idocuments and instruments

27

Page 28: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Plan Fiduciary’s ResponsibilitiesPlan Fiduciary s Responsibilities

• Background – ERISA requires plan fiduciaries toBackground ERISA requires plan fiduciaries to administer and manage plans prudently– If plan fiduciaries lack investment expertise, may

consider hiring investment consultant and other advisers/managers with appropriate knowledge and expertise to invest plan fundsexpertise to invest plan funds

• Any such contract or arrangement and compensation must be reasonable – ERISA co pe sat o ust be easo ab e SSec. 408(b)(2), Labor Reg. Sec. 2550.408(b)-2

28

Page 29: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Investment Consultant ContractsInvestment Consultant Contracts

• If an investment consultant is used willIf an investment consultant is used, will that firm acknowledge that it is a fiduciary?

Does the consultant provide “investment– Does the consultant provide investment advice for a fee” within the meaning of ERISA Sec. 3(21)?( )

– Law is unclear on whether investment consultant is a fiduciaryy

• See ERISA Advisory Opinions 84-03A and 84-04A• See Labor Reg. Sec. 2510.3-21(c)

29

Page 30: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Contract Considerations When Selecting d M it i I t t C lt tand Monitoring Investment Consultants

• Takeaway from SEC report – look to see whether y pinvestment consultant has– Policies and procedures to ensure advisory activities

are insulated from firm’s other business activitiesare insulated from firm s other business activities– Provided required disclosures to prospective and

existing clientsWill t di l t i l fli t f i t t– Will prevent or disclose material conflicts of interest when brokerage commissions, gifts, or other compensation are received from money managers or th thi d tiother third parties• If such fees are paid to an investment consultant, fees must

be used to offset fees paid by plan to avoid a PT

30

Page 31: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Contract Considerations Regarding I t t MInvestment Managers

• Fiduciary statusy– Is the manager a fiduciary within the meaning of ERISA Sec.

3(38)?• Does the manager exercise any discretionary authority or control

di th t d di iti f l t ?regarding the management and disposition of plan assets?– Is the manager any of the following:

• Registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 or otherwise exempted under such Act because it isAct of 1940 or otherwise exempted under such Act because it is registered under applicable State law; or

• A bank;• An insurance company qualified to perform investment

management services under the laws of more than one State• If the manager is none of these, it cannot be designated as an

“investment manager” under ERISA– Will the manager acknowledge fiduciary status in the contract?

31

– Will the manager acknowledge fiduciary status in the contract?

Page 32: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Considerations for Investment M t C t tManagement Contracts

• Shift of fiduciary liability/responsibility toShift of fiduciary liability/responsibility to investment manager– ERISA Sec. 405(d): if an investment manager ( ) g

has been appointed, no trustee shall be liable for the acts or omissions of such manager or be under any obligation to invest or otherwisebe under any obligation to invest or otherwise manage any asset of the plan which is subject to the management of such managerg g

– But, plan fiduciary remains responsible for prudently selecting and monitoring manager

32

Page 33: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Considerations for Investment M CManager Contracts

• Bonding requirement (ERISA Sec. 412)Bonding requirement (ERISA Sec. 412)– Does the service provider “handle” plan

assets? See Labor Regs. Sec. 2580.412-6– Prohibited transaction

• Will any PTEs apply? (e.g., agency cross transactions)transactions)

• To the extent investment strategy permits allocation of funds to an affiliate of the investment manager, will the manager receive any fees or other compensation in connection with such allocation?

33

Page 34: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Considerations for Investment M CManager Contracts

• Will the indicia of ownership of the plan’sWill the indicia of ownership of the plan s assets remain within the jurisdiction of the U S district courts?U.S. district courts?– If plan assets will be maintained outside the

jurisdiction of the U S district courts will thejurisdiction of the U.S. district courts, will the requirements of Labor Reg. Sec. 2550.404b-1 be satisfied?

34

Page 35: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Considerations for Investment M CManager Contracts

• Proxy voting – has investment manager adoptedProxy voting has investment manager adopted written policies and procedures for exercising proxy voting in the best interest of the plan? – See Labor Reg. Sec. 2509-94-2 Interpretive Bulletin– Such policies and procedures must be disclosed to

lplan– Investment manager must keep accurate written

records of its exercise of all ownership rights ofrecords of its exercise of all ownership rights of securities under its management

• Provide reports to plan annually and upon request

35

Page 36: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Considerations for I t t M C t tInvestment Manager Contracts

• Does the contract allow the plan to terminateDoes the contract allow the plan to terminate contract without penalty to the plan on reasonably short notice under the circumstances to prevent the plan from becoming locked into a disadvantageous arrangement?– See Labor Reg. Sec. 2550-408b-2(c)

• Does the contract require the manager or consultant to maintain errors and omissionsconsultant to maintain errors and omissions insurance (includes fiduciary liability)?

36

Page 37: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Other Contract ConsiderationsOther Contract Considerations

• Will the investment generate “unrelated gbusiness taxable income” (UBTI)?

• Confidentiality requirement• Memorialize ERISA fiduciary obligations

(standard of care, obligation to act solely in the interest of the plan etc )interest of the plan, etc.)– Is the manager a QPAM?

• Obligation to maintain fiduciary and errors andObligation to maintain fiduciary and errors and omissions insurance coverage at minimum coverage amount

37

Page 38: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

DISCLOSURES AND INFORMATION ACCESS

38

Page 39: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

ERISA Section 101(k)ERISA Section 101(k)

• For multiemployer plansFor multiemployer plans– Will manager’s (including alternative

investment vehicle) reports include proprietaryinvestment vehicle) reports include proprietary information for purposes for ERISA Sec. 101(k)?( )

39

Page 40: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Purpose of Side LettersPurpose of Side Letters

• Side letter provisions are intended to helpSide letter provisions are intended to help plan fiduciaries demonstrate that they have prudently selected investment andhave prudently selected investment and have implemented procedures to help plan monitor the investmentmonitor the investment

40

Page 41: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

SEC ReviewSEC Review

• Side Letters• SEC continues to review side letters of investment managers.• If a side letter provides rights to investors that are different

enough from those of other investors that constitute a separate “class” of equity interests, the fund, depending on the composition of investors in each class, could be deemed to be holding the “plan assets” of benefit plan investors.

o The manager would thus be deemed an ERISA fiduciaryo The manager would thus be deemed an ERISA fiduciary.• Best Practices:

o Managers should consider early in planning stages of the fund what side letter provisions may be granted.p y g

o New funds should be created with flexibility to create and issue new share classes

41

Page 42: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Questions to AskQuestions to Ask

• Funds that offer MFN provisions should monitor side letters on an i b iongoing basis

• Consider creating a managed account if side letter creates fiduciary concerns to other investors.concerns to other investors.

• As an investor, ask to see terms of all side letters before investing in a fund.

42

Page 43: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Calendar ConsiderationsCalendar Considerations

• Do fiscal year of plan and investmentDo fiscal year of plan and investment vehicle run concurrently?

If not plan’s financial statements may not– If not, plan s financial statements may not include appropriate valuations of the investment

43

Page 44: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Suggested ComponentsSuggested Components

• Negotiate obligation to notify plan of:g g y p– Withdrawal of any investor– Any delivery of any notice of withdrawal on the basis

that the investor believes that the investment vehiclethat the investor believes that the investment vehicle ceases to satisfy an exception to the “plan asset” rules

– Any developments with respect to the general partner y p p g por partnership or affiliates which would have a material adverse effect

– All material facts with respect to general partner’s p g pfinancial condition or to legal or disciplinary actions that may impair its ability to meet its obligations under the investment’s governing documents

44

Page 45: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

More Items to IncludeMore Items to Include

• Keyman provision - e g provide forKeyman provision e.g., provide for withdrawal without penalty if a key investment professional departsinvestment professional departs

• Confidentiality provisionMFN l• MFN language– General partner may be reluctant to disclose

t ith th i t farrangements with other investors for confidentiality reasons

45

Page 46: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Bonding, Insurance and ClawbacksBonding, Insurance and Clawbacks

• Obligation to maintain liability insuranceObligation to maintain liability insurance coverage

• Bonding requirement, if applicableBonding requirement, if applicable• Provisions regarding clawback

– From general partner/manager – must itFrom general partner/manager must it return any fees it received (e.g., failing to meet minimum rate of return on wind-up)

– From investors – any obligation to return distributions (e.g., for indemnification obligation)

46

obligation)

Page 47: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Fees and Federal ReportingFees and Federal Reporting

• Will financial information be provided toWill financial information be provided to plan to enable plan to timely file Form 5500 and other required returns?5500 and other required returns?

• Are the total fees paid to the general partner reasonable?partner reasonable? – What is the compensation?

I t t t f• Investment management fee• General partner distributions

47

Page 48: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Service Provider Disclosure R l iRegulation

• Section 406(a)(1)(C) – plan fiduciary maySection 406(a)(1)(C) plan fiduciary may not cause a plan to enter into a transaction which constitutes the furnishing the goods, g gservices or facilities between the plan and a party in interest– Section 408(b)(2) – statutory prohibited

transaction exemption for reasonable contracts that are necessary for thecontracts that are necessary for the establishment or operation of the plan if no more than reasonable compensation is paid

48

Page 49: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Service Provider Disclosure R l iRegulation

• Labor Reg Section 408(b)(2)Labor Reg. Section 408(b)(2)o Imposes obligations on “covered service

providers” to furnish pension plan fiduciariesproviders to furnish pension plan fiduciaries with sufficient information to determine whether the agreement and fees are greasonable

o Includes requirement that for contract to be “ bl ” l t b itt d t t i t“reasonable”, plan must be permitted to terminate the arrangement without penalty on reasonably short notice

49

Page 50: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Service Provider Disclosure RegulationService Provider Disclosure Regulation

• Applies to services providers that expect to pp p preceive $1,000 or more in indirect or direct compensation in connection with the provision of certain services to planscertain services to plans– Includes

• Fiduciaries to an investment contract, product or entity that holds plan assets and in which the plan has a direct equity investment

• Investment advisers registered under Investment Advisers Act of 1940 or state lawAct of 1940 or state law

• Other recipients of indirect compensation (must also disclose relationship with the payee)

50

Page 51: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Rules Require Service Provider to Di l i W itiDisclose in Writing

• Services to be providedServices to be provided• What compensation (direct and indirect) will

be received, including fees, and how (e.g., via , g , ( g ,invoice or deducted directly from investment)

• Disclose sales charges, sales loads, redemption fees, surrender charges or exchange fees)

• Annual operating expenses (e.g., expense ratio) if return is not fixed (and any ongoing expenses)return is not fixed (and any ongoing expenses)

51

Page 52: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Rules Require Service Provider to Di l i W itiDisclose in Writing

• Whether the service provider (or an affiliate) will p ( )provide any services as a fiduciary within the meaning of ERISA Sec. 3(21) or the Investment Advisers Act of 19401940

• Disclose reasonably in advance of the date the contract is entered into, extended or renewed and no later than 60 days of the date of any change to the information that must be disclosed

• Plan fiduciary has right to request information regardingPlan fiduciary has right to request information regarding compensation (30 day response deadline)

52

Page 53: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

General Contract RequirementsGeneral Contract Requirements

• Must disclose all services to provided to the plan p punder the contract

• Must disclose the service provider’s compensation or ffees

o Money or any other thing of monetary value (e.g., gifts, awards, trips, etc.)

o Received or to be received directly from the plan or plan sponsor or indirectly from any other source

o By the service provider or its affiliate in connection with the services provided under the contract or because of the position of the service provider or an affiliate with the plan

53

Page 54: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

VALUATION

54

Page 55: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Market Valuation RequirementsMarket Valuation Requirements

• July 1, 2008 letter from DOL Boston officey– Plan fiduciaries must have a process in place to

independently value alternative assets. – “A process which merely uses the general partner'sA process which merely uses the general partner s

established value for all funds without additional analysis may not insure that the alternative assets are valued at fair market value.”

• Asset at issue in letter was valued “at cost”, not “fair market value”

– “If you take proper corrective action, then the department will not bring a lawsuit with regard todepartment will not bring a lawsuit with regard to these issues.”

55

Page 56: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Challenge of Getting V l ti I f tiValuation Information

• Dilemma: plan fiduciaries are responsibleDilemma: plan fiduciaries are responsible for investments in alternative vehicles, but investment manager may not provideinvestment manager may not provide sufficient information to plan fiduciaries to value these “hard-to-value” assetsvalue these hard to value assets– Information disclosed by managers often is

limited for competitive reasonslimited for competitive reasons

56

Page 57: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Reliance on General PartnersReliance on General Partners

• “A process which merely uses the generalA process which merely uses the general partner's established value for all funds without additional analysis may not insurewithout additional analysis may not insure that the alternative assets are valued at fair market value ”fair market value. – At negotiation stage, ask general partner how

assets are valued (estimated fair marketassets are valued (estimated fair market value?)

57

Page 58: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Role of Independent AppraiserRole of Independent Appraiser

• Plans may need to independently valuePlans may need to independently value alternative assets– Many plans rely on the financial statements of y p y

general partners to report the value of those investments in their Form 5500s S h i d th t th DOL l tt– Some have opined that the DOL letter may require plan fiduciaries to incur new expense and workloadand workload

• May need to hire appraisal firms, investment banks or new in-house staffers with appraisal expertise

58

Page 59: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Other Valuation Process “To Do” ItemsOther Valuation Process To Do Items

• Understand manager’s valuation practices g p

• Distinguish between market valued portfolios and assets that mostly require fair valuation

Request reports of manager’s evaluations of its valuation• Request reports of manager s evaluations of its valuation process (if the manager doesn’t evaluate the efficacy of its valuation process, that’s a red flag)

59

Page 60: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

LITIGATION AND LESSONS LEARNED

60

Page 61: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Lessons from Recent LitigationLessons from Recent Litigation

• Saint Vincent Catholic Medical v. Morgan Stanleyg y– Saint Vincent’s hired MS to manage a portion of the firm’s retirement

plan. As portfolio manager, MS was subject to ERISA

S i t Vi t l id d MS ith i t t id li hi h– Saint Vincent also provided MS with investment guidelines which favored a low-risk, conservative strategy

– MS allegedly failed to follow these guidelines and invested largeMS allegedly failed to follow these guidelines and invested large amounts of the plan in non-agency mortgage-backed securities. Plaintiff also claimed the portfolio was not well diversified.

Th P tf li d f d d l i tiff l i d th t d– The Portfolio underperformed and plaintiffs claimed that damages exceeded $25 million

61

Page 62: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Lessons from Recent LitigationLessons from Recent Litigation

• Fidelity Investments Lawsuity– Participants of Fidelity 401K plans have sued the company alleging they

violated ERISA through its use of float income

Th fl t i d t ti th th– The float income was used to pay operating expenses rather than distributing float income solely for the interest of the plan

– Since the suit, participants from three more plans (Bank of America,Since the suit, participants from three more plans (Bank of America, EMC Corp, and Safety Insurance Company) have filed lawsuits against Fidelity.

A j d l d th t Fid lit h d “b h d it fid i d ti ” d– A judge ruled that Fidelity had “breached its fiduciary duties” and ordered to pay the plan $1.7 million.

62

Page 63: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

Some Other CasesSome Other Cases

• Hennessee (Bayou)Hennessee (Bayou)

• Amaranth• Amaranth

F kli Fi t U i• Franklin v. First Union

• Mehling v. New York Life

63

Page 64: ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: Due for Hedge and Private ...media.straffordpub.com/products/erisa-pension-plans-in-2013-due... · ERISA Pension Plans in 2013: ... She counsels employers

DisclaimerDisclaimer

• These materials have been preparedThese materials have been prepared for informational purposes only and are not financial, accounting or legal advice g g

• Transmission of the information is not intended to create, and receipt does not pconstitute, an attorney-client relationship

• Anyone viewing this presentation should y g pnot act upon this information without seeking professional counsel

64